Subordination Agreements—Understand the Risks
When you think of investments and brokerage firms, you probably think of opening an account and buying stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. When you enter into a subordination agreement, you are making an investment, but the investment is in the brokerage firm itself. This investment can be very risky and is not suitable for everyone. You should never enter into a subordination agreement unless you can afford to lose your entire investment.
We are issuing this Alert because of our concern that an increasing number of investors may be entering into financing arrangements with brokerage firms without fully appreciating the risks or implications of such arrangements. For the same reasons, we also have proposed a rule requiring brokerage firms to obtain a signed Subordination Agreement Investor Disclosure Document from an investor before entering into such a subordination agreement with an investor.
This Alert will explain what subordination agreements are, the risks involved with them, and how you can find out what you need to know to make a smarter investment decision.
What is a Subordination Agreement?
A subordination agreement is a contract between you and a brokerage firm where you lend either money or securities or both to the firm. There are two types of subordination agreements.
Subordinated Loan Agreement (SLA). An SLA is used when you lend cash to a firm. The SLA discloses the terms of the loan, including the amount of the loan, the interest rate, and the date the loan will be repaid.
Secured Demand Note Agreement (SDN). An SDN is a promissory note in which you agree to give cash to the firm on demand (i.e., without prior notice) during the term of the note. You also must provide cash or securities as collateral for the SDN. If you use securities as collateral, these securities must be deposited with the firm and registered in the firm's name. You cannot sell or otherwise use them unless you substitute securities of equal value for the deposited securities. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules require that the firm discount the market value of the securities that you provide as collateral. The discount can vary and can be as high as 30% if you use common stock as collateral.
What are the Risks?
Before entering into a subordination agreement, you should understand the following risks:
Caution! While FINRA does review subordination agreements, this does not mean that FINRA has passed judgment on the soundness of these investments. Its review does not include an opinion regarding the viability or suitability of the investment for you or the credit worthiness of the brokerage firm.
What Should I Do If I Want to Invest?
Before entering into a subordination agreement, make sure you get the information you need to make a wise investment choice.
Office of Public Reference
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Phone (202) 551-8090
Email: publicinfo@sec.gov
Finally, as with any investment, don't allow yourself to be pressured into a quick decision. Consider discussing the investment with an accountant, attorney, or investment professional that you know and trust. It is also important to make sure the investment fits with your financial goals, your tolerance for risk, and makes sense given your income and expenses.
Reference Material
Notice to Members 02-04—Asking Members to Adopt "Best Practice" of Requiring Investors to Sign a Disclosure Document as Part of the Subordination Loan Agreement.
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